Approximately 50 children from the CFNA After School Tutoring ministry converged on Epiphany Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 15th to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Festivities began as students were shuttled to the event by drivers and tutors. They were met with cheerful Christmas music and equally cheerful volunteers, who helped create handprint ornaments for our CFNA cardboard Christmas tree, made by student volunteers Addie and Ben Janssen. They dressed up in crazy hats and accessories for a Red Carpet Christmas photo shoot with volunteer Deaconess student, Laura Jostes, and also played a ball toss game with volunteer Christa Earl.

A delicious dinner provided by Trinity Lutheran Church, Soulard, was very well received. After dinner, we celebrated Jesus’ birthday with cupcakes and a boisterous rendition of “Happy Birthday, Jesus.” Several folk dancers, members of a class led by volunteer Diana Wolf, also performed for the children.

The highlight of the evening was the chapel service, where Pastor Michael Zeigler shared the story of Ruth in a dramatized, spellbinding monologue. Mesmerized, the children were totally drawn into the story of a woman who like them, lived in a land not her own. Nevertheless, her constant loyalty and obedience resulted in a great blessing many generations later; the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These students love listening to a great storyteller.

Finally, the children were blessed with Christmas presents, provided by members of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue and Christ Memorial. After thanking the volunteers and leaders, they re-grouped with their drivers and headed home, carrying wrapped presents, and the knowledge that the greatest present ever, Jesus, had once been a refugee, just like them. Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

By Jennifer Janssen (Event Leader)Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo, IL

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